What innovations in healthcare should Ireland be looking to in creating a health service for the 21st century? How can we build healthier communities in tackling issues of physical activity, positive ageing and public participation in healthcare? What drug, surgical and diagnostic inventions will be available to the patients in the future? These questions and more were tackled at Health Revolutions an international healthcare conference recently held at the University of Limerick.

The University of Limerick launched a new initiative, UL Beo, with its first public event the Pat Duffy Lecture in Coaching and Leadership last night. A full house from a broad spectrum of the sporting world heard about the launch of the new project in Physical Activity, Health Lifestyle and Sport, before a tribute was paid to the late Professor Pat Duffy and a fascinating insight into the skills and experiences of leadership from Dr Keith Wood and Baroness Sue Campbell.

New research led by Professor of Surgery, J. Calvin Coffey, Graduate Entry Medical School, UL and Colorectal Surgeon, University Hospital Limerick (UHL) has refuted a century of mistaken abdominal anatomy by remapping the human mesentery in a way never described before. This research has significant implications for patient outcomes, leading to less invasive surgeries, fewer complications, faster patient recovery and lower overall costs.

Professor Austin Stack, Chair of Medicine, Graduate Entry Medical School is taking on the battle against kidney disease. In his research, Professor Stack is looking to address the impact of kidney disease in large populations. He currently is exploring methods of predicting kidney disease progression and the identification of novel biomarkers that may facilitate earlier diagnosis of cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease.

Unhealthy food and drinks are common in children’s TV programmes broadcast in Ireland and England, and frequently portrayed in a positive light, according from new research from the Graduate Entry Medical School at the University of Limerick. Statutory legislation to curb children’s exposure to high sugar and fat food/drink in TV adverts was introduced in the UK in 2007, and similar regulations have recently come on stream in Ireland, however, these regulations are not being applied to programme content.

A study undertaken by researchers at the University of Limerick has identified four distinct sleep profiles in 9-month old infants in Ireland indicating that mothers of infants in the poorer sleep profiles are more likely to report higher levels of stress and depression and poorer physical health.

Professor Colum Dunne, Director of Research at the University of Limerick’s Graduate Entry Medical School (GEMS), has been presented with one of the Irish Health Services Executive (HSE) Inaugural Open Access Awards by HSE Director General, Mr Tony O’Brien.